Jets general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff is encouraged by the nature of the negotiations.

“We had great conversations with his representative (Tuesday) and those will be ongoing,” said Cheveldayoff. “The fact he filed for salary arbitration doesn’t mean much at this time. We have a lot of time to get a deal done.”

The Wheeler camp feels the same way.

“Looking at all scenarios,” Keator said in a text message, when asked if a long-term extension or a one-year deal was more likely. “Still have more talking to do, but off to a good start.”

Wheeler, once a first round pick (fifth overall in 2004) of the Phoenix Coyotes, was acquired in a deal with the Boston Bruins that also brought defenceman Mark Stuart back for Rich Peverley and minor-league defenceman Boris Valabik, had 11 goals and 27 points in Boston and added seven goals and 17 points in 23 games with the Atlanta Thrashers.

“He came into the organization late in the year and he kind of had two different seasons from a statistical standpoint,” said Cheveldayoff, who was asked if Wheeler projects to be a Top-6 forward. “For me, it’s really all about creating our own identity with this group of guys and letting (head coach) Claude (Noel) deciding where they fit and who they fit with. With the roster still evolving, you just don’t know who is going to fall into place at this time.”